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UN report accuses South Sudan of war crimes

A UN report yesterday accused South Sudan’s government and allies of carrying out gang rape, mass shootings and throat-slittings.

The United Nations warned that “war crimes” may have been committed in Unity state, calling for those responsible to be brought to justice.

The country, which won its independence from Sudan in 2011, has been engulfed in a five-year civil war in which tens of thousands have been killed and millions forced to flee the country.

The war began after President Salva Kiir sacked his deputy Riek Machar, who he accused of plotting to overthrow him. The pair signed a ceasefire deal last month.

Investigators focused on a five-week period between April and May during which opposition-held villages south of Unity state came under attack by the authorities.

They found that 232 civilians were killed, with “some hanged from trees and others burnt alive in their homes.”

According to the report at least 120, including some who had recently given birth, were raped or gang-raped by soldiers. 

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